There is an article on Wall Street Journal today (4/17/13) (on line and on iPad) about the evolution of shift levers. There are photos and an embedded video, both showing a Model S and also Porsche, Lamborghini, and a Dodge Ram truck. Not sure if you can use this link (if you're not a subscriber), but here goes: Changing Gears: Auto Makers Ditch Familiar Shift Levers - WSJ.com
Interesting that the article says the trend is to free up space for storage bins, smartphone cradles, cup holders and multimedia controllers. Seems Tesla just freed up the space. Period.